Abu Dhabi Number Plates Ultimate Guide

We are here to show you the Ultimate Guide to Abu Dhabi Number Plates!

All road-legal motorized vehicles that meet all mandatory requirements determined by the UAE government are first in line to receive number plates.

Contrary to what is thought, the process of getting a number plate in Abu Dhabi is simple and straightforward, and it follows a general legal routine.

The article below presents a comprehensive guide and information about license plates in Abu Dhabi and the step-by-step process of obtaining them. By sticking to the following tips, you can definitely save more time and dirham.

Under strict monitoring of the Abu Dhabi Traffic Police, not all cars will be allowed to receive number plates.

Before going through the vehicle number plate procedures, check if your car is subject to receiving a license plate or not. At findcardubai.com, we provide a clear, detailed, Ultimate Guide to Abu Dhabi Number Plates.

What Deprives Cars of Receiving Abu Dhabi Number Plates ?

If I want to provide a complete guide about Abu Dhabi numbers, I just need to read the following paragraphs. You ready?

Unregistered Vehicle: Derived from the legal system hierarchy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, all vehicles must first finalize the registration process and then apply for a number plate.

The reverse is not feasible. This provision also includes cars whose registration has expired. Owners must renew their registration to have a license plate.

Failed Inspection: Newly manufactured cars that are exempted from technical examination for up to three years.

In this case and based on personal preference, the owner can replace the old plate number with a new personalized one, whether through purchase or auction.

For anyone who owns old car (four years and more), getting a new number plate depends on having successfully concluded the car inspection.

Illegally Modified Cars: Any excessive modification such as exaggerated tinting of window glass with visibility of below 50%, manipulation of the engine and exhaust pipes that lead to annoying noises and pollutes the air, Installation of oversized wheels, lowering the suspension system and reducing the height of the vehicle is considered illegal.

Such modifications that do not follow UAE road safety standards deprive the car of getting a license plate.

Different Types of Abu Dhabi Number Plates

Before taking any action to get a license plate in Abu Dhabi, you first need to know their types.

• Regular number plate: A standard designed plate includes number and letter in Arabic and English plus name and logo of the emirate. This license plate is appropriate option for those who are satisfied with budget-friendly ones. Generally, depending on your vehicle and emirate you reside in, its fee is between AED 400 to AED 1000.
• Customized or personalized number plates: Even though these license plates are customized based on the applicant’s preferences, they comply with the legal requirements. Personalized number plate prices range from AED 5,000 to AED 100,000 and are somehow affordable. Such common auctions are conducted online.
• Auctioned number Plates: single- or double-digit number are controversial and auctioned off for several million dirhams. Rarity and desirability affect this price. For exclusively designed and multi-million dirhams number plates, public or physical auction events are held by auction houses.

How to Apply for an Abu Dhabi Number Plate 

To conduct the processes, services are provided in-person and online via multiple paths.

TAMM website, TAMM app and Abu Dhabi police app are online portal. You can submit your request and required document via these channels.

If you want to learn more about car modification in Dubai, including the rules and guidelines, we recommend you visit this article.

Document Required for Abu Dhabi Number Plate

Before starting the license plate reservation, make sure you have the following documents.

• Valid Emirates ID (copy)
• Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkia)
• Insurance Certificate
• Technical Inspection Certificate

To start, go to www.tamm.abudhabi

_Log in to your account. To create an account, you will need a UAE pass (Emirate ID, phone number, and email address are required if you prefer to register manually).

_Under the “Services” section, find “Vehicles” and select Request a Number Plate.

_Submit prompted details such as chassis number and the latest registration number.

_Upload scanned files of Emirates ID, Mulkiya, and Insurance Certificate.

_Now you can see categorized lists of regular and customized number plates. Select your desired one.

_Pay the fees using available payment options (credit/ debit card).

_After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation message including the location and time frame for pickup.

If you prefer to get in-person services, consider visiting TAMM centers in Al-Mushrif, Al-Ain, Al-Dhafra, Madinat Zayed, Al-Moqtaa and Yas Mall.

Suggestion: TAMM working hours, Sunday to Saturday, is usually from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. In order to receive higher-quality services, it is recommended to arrange an appointment in advance.

Obtain VIP Number Plate by Auction

Emiratis’ keen interest in luxury cars has left its mark on number plates. A fancy number plate refers to ones that are distinctive and easy to memorize.

These number plates go under the hammer occasionally. To own them, you need to participate in an auction either online or physically. VIP and fancy number plates that are auctioned are classified into four main groups.

Single-digit numbers are taken to be extremely prestigious. Most high-profile individuals in the UAE own these plates.

Two-digit numbers, especially repdigits, are of utmost importance.

Sequential numbers like 1234 are also highly valued.

Number plates with special patterns (e.g., 1001, 2020) are highly sought after and auctioned for substantial sums of money.

Auction houses: Several auction houses in Abu Dhabi take the responsibility of selling distinguished car number plates such as:

• Emirate Auction
• Abu Dhabi Auction
• Platinum Auction

Emirate Auction which is the most renowned auction house mainly collaborates with Abu Dhabi’s DMT offering exclusive plate number. You can register and bid on preferred number plates. It is possible to check upcoming auctions in provided calendar by relevant websites.

Retain number plates in Abu Dhabi.

If you intend to retain the number plate, whether as an investment or to transfer it to another car in future, you need to go through the following steps.

-At first, request to de-register the vehicle by visiting Abu Dhabi Police or other related authorities.

-Then apply for retention of number plate through Abu Dhabi Police’s online portal or TAMM.

-Next pace is to paying the retention fee. This payment is for keeping plate number under you name when you do not want to install it to your vehicle.

-After proceeding, you will receive a confirmation indicating that the number plate is now retained in your name.

Be aware that, if you decide to use the retained number plate on another vehicle in the future, again, you need to contact the Abu Dhabi Police and pay the applicable fee.

Request for Replacement Abu Dhabi Number Plate

If the license plate is missing, damaged, obscure or illegible, it needs to be replaced and standardized.

Before to request, ensure you gather essential documents including Mulkiya, Emirate ID, old Number Plates (if it is damaged) and Police Report (if it is stolen or missing).

To submit the document, you can visit Abu Dhabi Police or TAMM Centers in-person in working hours or conduct the processes through their online portals. You may need to fill out a form for the replacement request.

A fee will be charged for the replacement, and it varies depending on your plate type.

After the steps are completed, the new license plate will be delivered to you within the same day.

FAQ

Is there an annual fee for number plates in Abu Dhabi?

Based on the latest information about fee structure, there is no annual fee for regular or standard number plate. But depending on your emirate policies, customized plate may be subject to one-time charge. Some VIP plates owners also might have to be paid ongoing renewal ranging from AED 200 to AED 500 annually.   

Does participating in the auction require a deposit?

Not all but most physical auctions in Abu Dhabi require bidders to pay a deposit. The payment actually measures both seriousness and financial ability of bidders.

Amount of deposit generally based on type and uniqueness of plate ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000. This figure is received as the registration amount for the tender.

Summary

This article from the multi-media e-zine Findcardubai is allocated to answer all probable questions about number plates in Abu Dhabi. The information provided is broadly applicable to other emirates as well.

However, we recommend that before proceeding with obtaining or replacing a number plate, you review the policies specific to the Emirate in which you reside. In a matter of penalties, you ought to be aware that traffic offenses will never go unnoticed by any road cameras in the UAE, so if your vehicle license plate is missing or damaged, go ahead with obtaining a standard license plate at the earliest opportunity before being charged with a hefty fine.

Is the deposit of the number plate auction refundable?

Under some circumstances, you can have your money back.

1) If you do not win any number plates

2) if you register in an auction without placing any bid

3) If you cancel the registration on time,

Typically, if you win the auction, the deposit is considered part of the payment for the license plate.